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Unclogging Spray Paint
Nozzles

Keep your spray paint flowing with this revival technique

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Another of life's little nuisances: The nozzles on cans of spray paint become plugged up with dried paint, rendering them useless. To revive a clogged nozzle, try this trick: First, pull off the nozzle and soak it overnight in a can of mineral spirits or paint thinner. Use a sewing needle or wire from a twist tie to clear away softened paint from the tiny tube at the nozzle bottom; be careful not to enlarge or distort the tube.

Then, place the nozzle onto the end of a spray tube from a can of aerosol lubricant. Squirt a short blast of lubricant into the nozzle. Repeat, until the nozzle is cleared.

To prevent the nozzle from becoming clogged in the future, always clear it of paint after each use by turning the can upside down and pressing the nozzle until the mist that comes out is clear.